A Thanksgiving Reflection on Psalm 136

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, we enter a time when our hearts naturally turn toward gratitude. We pause to consider what we are thankful for—and more importantly, who we are thankful to.

To give thanks means to show appreciation or to return kindness. And truly, no one deserves our gratitude more than our gracious, mighty, and loving God. Psalm 136 is a beautiful reminder of this. In it, the psalmist lifts his voice in thanksgiving—not only for what God has done, but also for who God is.

The psalm opens with a declaration that sets the tone for the entire chapter: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His steadfast love endures forever.” God is unchanging in His goodness, unwavering in His faithfulness, and unending in His love. This alone calls for our gratitude!

But the psalmist continues, recounting God’s “great wonders”—His creation of the heavens, the sun, the moon, and the stars. God, the Creator of the universe, is worthy of our praise.

The psalm then turns to God’s saving acts. The writer remembers how God delivered Israel from Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and guided His people through the wilderness. He remembers how God defended Israel, provided for them, and remained mindful of them even when they faltered.

Through each line, Psalm 136 shows us a God who rescues, sustains, remembers, and loves. A God who gives His people everything they need—food, protection, shelter, mercy, and grace. A God who does not forget His children.

The psalmist also makes something else clear: We are not worshiping one god among many. We are worshiping Yahweh, the God of gods and Lord of lords, the God of heaven. He is above all things, and there is none like Him.

So as we enter this season of thanksgiving, let us remember to thank God not only for His blessings, but for His character. He deserves our gratitude simply because He is God.

Let us give thanks.
Let us worship.
Let us remember His steadfast love that endures forever.

Further Reading

• Practicing Thankfulness: Cultivating a Grateful Heart in All Circumstances — Sam Crabtree
• Psalms (2 Volumes) — Derek Kidner
• A Treasury of Thanksgiving — Leland Ryken
• The Valley of Vision



Soli Deo Gloria!
Ethan Fleischer
Lead Professor.